The Seniors Fair at the BC Northern Exhibition (BCNE), presented by the Prince George Council of Seniors, takes place Thursday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Kin 3.
Admission to the BCNE for Seniors Day is just a toonie on Thursday. At the Seniors Fair, there will be 50 informative exhibits on display from a variety of seniors-related organizations, with free draws and activities.
Fairgoers will be issued passports on which to collect stamps, stickers or initials from each exhibit to ultimately enter a draw for goodies. There will also be an opportunity to vote for a favourite exhibitor.
The theme of this year’s BCNE is Come and Knock on Our Door, a reference to the theme song of the popular 1970s sitcom Three’s Company. Prince George Council of Seniors executive director Malhar Kendurkar said that while they host the Seniors Fair, staff and board members will be dressed in their retro best.
“So we’ll be in bell-bottom pants and all of that,” Kendurkar said with a laugh.
At the Seniors Fair in Kin 3, guests will be able to try out a few activities, including the latest fun form of exercise — cardio drumming — led by Shirley Morin from the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre.
“It was a big hit last year, and they’ll be doing it again this year,” Kendurkar said.
“We’ll also do some games like cornhole.”
This year, after receiving feedback from last year’s exhibitors, Kendurkar said the Council of Seniors recognized that asking them to man their booths from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus set-up and take-down time, made for a very long day. So now, the event is short and sweet.
“Taking everything into consideration, we thought 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. was more reasonable,” he said.
Last year, about 1,300 guests attended the Seniors Fair, and about the same number are expected this year.
As with last year, lunch will be provided by Chaa Tayo Bubble Tea and Wings, which celebrates the flavours of the Philippines. With affordability in mind, the meal price is capped at $10.
“They are excellent at making the menu really affordable for seniors, which actually helps a lot,” Kendurkar said.
“We’re just happy they’re coming to the fair again this year, as they consider this a service to the community, which is really nice.”
And don’t worry — the spice level will be senior-friendly too, he added.
“Last year, it was a big, big hit when it comes to value. And this year, the Council of Seniors will provide free coffee for all the seniors, because that was another request from a lot of seniors last year. So we will be offering free coffee to everyone who visits our booth,” Kendurkar said.
“I think it’s important to host the Seniors Fair because we’re not only serving the seniors, but partnering with all the organizations in the city that provide a variety of information to them. People can always come to the Council of Seniors Resource Centre, but at the BCNE, you’ll get first-hand information from the people who provide the services. Seniors can talk to the organizations to get the information they need. It’s a great way for all the seniors — and everyone else — to come in and get information about services important to them, while feeling a part of the community at the same time.”
Anyone looking to donate items for door prizes to be raffled off at the Seniors Fair can contact Kendurkar at [email protected].
Thursday’s entry fee to the BCNE is only a toonie for seniors 55-plus. The BCNE is presented by the Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association, which hosted its first fair in 1912 — three years before the City of Prince George was incorporated.
The BCNE runs from Thursday, Aug. 14, to Sunday, Aug. 17, at the Prince George Exhibition Grounds.
For full details, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.bcne.ca.
